KRMC Announces Lung Cancer Screening Program

Kingman Regional Medical Center (KRMC) announced today that it now offers a test that can detect lung cancer early, when treatment is most effective. The test involves a painless low-dose computed tomography scan (called low-dose CT or LDCT) that produces detailed images of the lungs and airways.

Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. In Mohave County, lung cancer has recently overtaken heart disease as the number one cause of death in our area.

Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography scans and appropriate follow-up care significantly reduces lung cancer deaths. In December 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening of adults aged 55 to 77 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. With these recommendations, most medical insurance plans (including Medicare and AHCCCS) now cover low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer in high-risk patients.

KRMC has been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This designation recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer. In receiving this elite distinction, KRMC underwent a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. KRMC also had to demonstrate that procedures are in place for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.

According to Dr. Adam Braze, KRMC Thoracic Surgeon and Director of KRMC’s Lung Screening Program, “Until just recently, there was no way to detect early lung cancer without extensive medical testing. But now with low-dose CT, people at high risk of lung cancer can be easily screened for the disease. Screening increases the likelihood of finding lung cancer before noticeable symptoms and can definitely save lives.”

To see if you or a loved one qualifies for lung cancer screening, talk to your doctor about your smoking history and risks for lung cancer. Also, for further information, please contact the KRMC Lung Nodule Clinic at 928-681-8736.